Wednesday Morning Writing

Most exciting the new writing group starts on Wednesday 2 February!

We will start with the simplest of prompts and exercises which will start our journey into the marvelous jumble of letters which help us form words and eventually sentences that people actually want to read!

From colour to words, from words to sentences and then eventually a whole page of our own creative writing. Regular prompts and updates will be added. Try the one below.

Write about:
1. As I walked in the garden I saw a rose. I remembered the day........................

Two New Writing Courses - Poetry & Memoirs

Greetings and a very happy and creative 2011 to you!

Many people have asked about 'writing courses'. Many of us have done more than one! Here are two that might interest you: One on Memoirs & Moments which is 10 weeks long spread from January to July and one on Poetry, a short, succinct four week course which starts on 26 January.
Booking for both courses is essential.
Please contact Anne-Marie should you be interested at dmoore@iafrica.com

Moments & Memoirs: BEGINS MONDAY 24 JANUARY 2011
Monday mornings: 09h30 to 12h00
Cost: R1,200.00 for the course
OPTIONAL: June Weekend Away: R2,200 per person sharing

Take a thought and a family. A photograph and a snatch of conversation. Weave these snippets together to create a treasure of lasting memories.

Weeks 1 – 2 - January 24, 31
How Far are we from Home?
A look at Ancestors and Heritage
Weeks 3-5 - February 14, 21
Who ate my chocolate?
Family Myths and Fables
Week 6 - 7 - March 14, 21
Dancing in the Rain.
Love and Friendships
Week 8 - April 11
Surprise?
Family Traditions
Week 9 - May 16
Taste and Style
Food and Fashion

OPTIONAL: Weekend Away: 16 – 20 June R2,200.00 per person sharing
Explore the Memory, Remember the Moment

Week 10 - July 4
Another Road to Take
This is just the beginning

POETRY COURSE: Sketch Your Year in Poetry
Since my poetry book has been published, there has been interest in a poetry writing course and I have compiled one based on my book 'Sketch Your Year in Poetry'.

The course begins on Wednesday 26 January for four consecutive weeks at my studio 4 Sixth Street Houghton from 9h30 - 12h00.
Sketch Your Year in Poetry
A four morning course which will help aspiring poets to begin the journey of words.
R800 for the course plus R130 for 'Sketch your Year in Poetry'

Week 1 - 26 January
The Root and the Word

Week 2 - 3 February
Free Writing and Prompts

Week 3 - 9 February
From Pantoum to Haiku

Week 4 - 16 February
And the Poetry starts here

I look forward to hearing from you.

Of Book Stores & Selling

Well the hype has hyped and it's now the week after the launch and sales, while most pleasing need to be expanded.

So what better thing to do than visit some books stores. All very well if you are promoting other people's books. So different if they are your own words!

Well the cover is exciting and the content acceptable, so what's the stumbling block? Simply that the book is poetry and 'poetry doesn't sell'. Well this is more than a poetry book. It is a 'how to' poetry book and surely that is a little more encouraging? Who knows - only sales will tell.

Fortunately there are agents who deal with most of this sort of distribution [and person]. Suddenly shop owners who were once friendly to customers become aloof and difficult to contact! Sigh - a most interesting situation to be in!

Anyway - the book remains 'out there' and I wait to hear the sound of resounding success.

'Nana' reading page 10 of Sketch Your Year in Poetry'

Books available in some Gauteng bookstores otherwise from the author [that's me] or Porcupine Press.

Book Launch

The Cover and the book

What an experience to see one's book on display in the stores

Hazel and Anne-Marie in a pensive moment. Hazel, a special friend, calligrapher, artist, author was my 'co-host' for the evening. I read poems, chatted to Hazel and we shared some gentle moments.

 Nana's greatest fan - Rachel holding up Sketch Your Year in Poetry. The girls were helpful and delightful adding some real moments to the evening. With friends and family, guests and colleagues, a delightful gentle evening was shared.

The 'Author' signing books. What fun! 

Book available from the author or www.porcupinepress.co.za

A Poetry Reading

It's all very well having a launch - and while I really don't mind talking to and interacting with people, in fact I really enjoy it, the very thought of presenting one's 'own work' is another story altogether.

Daunting is the word I use. But, the launch is set - for 1 December 2010. At Love Books [if you would like to join us please respond 'tout suite' as we need numbers for catering].

What wonderful support I've had from friends far and near. My overseas pals have sent such wonderful encouraging notes. Many of my 'here' friends are joining me for the launch. I have decided to have a small 'event' with candles, flowers, good 'finger food' [not fingers] and of course good wine - oh, not forgetting real lemonade for those who don't imbibe. Perhaps there will even be a surprise or two.

A great friend of mine - who is also a calligrapher and writer [much more famous than I] will sit with me as I read a few chosen poems. This I have been told is expected, the poetry reading that is. We will hopefully discuss them and the creative process as well.

So I leave now, to choose the poems and make sure I know what I'm trying to do. I add a photograph of myself on the dunes at De Hoop - the freedom of the air and sea is what I wish for you.

Sketch Your Year in Poetry

I have in my hand the proof copy of my first poetry book. I've had books published before. Calligraphy books which have done well for me. But somehow, these were 'easier' as I am extremely familiar with the subject.

Poetry, on the other hand is subjective and personal. Once the first poem you have written is handed over to the first reader, the words are no longer your own. It's as if you are sending your first child to school. You give up responsibility to someone else to interpret and nurture. It's downright nerve wracking waiting for the 'first report'.

I am overwhelmed by the support of my family and their incredible talents. Elizabeth has worked with me throughout with the layout and design of the book, John did the cover and inside illustrations, Dave was the 'word merger' whenever I stumbled about for the correct nuance. Of course David was the master 'fine-tooth-comber'. Thank you!!!

Now the book is done and fine detailed corrections are made. Then on Monday the 'sign off' occurs and then the book is on its own.

The launch is in the first week of December. Hope you will be there!

Of Books and Publishers

Well at last my book is at the printers. People always talk about a book being like giving birth. Well giving birth may well be what I've done over the last few years - more like having a baby elephant really.

The to-ing and fro-ing, from publisher to book designer, to book cover designer [both of those happened to be my children - Elizabeth and John respectively]. Oh and don't forget the editors [yes, more than one]. In fact once you hand your book over to 'the other side' [hear spooky music] it is no longer yours and you as author had better realise that very quickly!

I suppose it's a Good Thing, because the poems are no longer your own once they have been 'sent out there'. They become the readers very own. AND that is one thing that authors should realise very quickly. Once the book is out of your hands it is not longer your own and so I suppose that makes any criticisms that much easier to accept.

The launch of the book will be in the first week of December so please keep your eyes open for 'Sketch Your Year in Poetry' soon after that.